Navik

[Theshipscat]

I managed to get the Navik fitted and tried it out yesterday and today.
The instructions are rubbish. How does one lock the vane and should the sprung lever be in position or pulle back to let the rudder bit swing backwards?

 

[Scillypete]

Its a few years since I used a Navik, but as I recall the pendulum rudder does not swing back. On the model I had there was a drum that I put a continuous line around to set the vane for the wind.

 

[Theshipscat]

The instructions state that the vane should be locked, unfortunately it doesn't explain how one does this.
Hi Scilly. There's nowhere to put a continuous line as far as I can see. The vane is adjusted by turning a knob, as can be seen in pic two.

 

[Scillypete]

some changes to the version I had for sure, the knob for adjusting the vane angle had a small drum on the one I had so a line could be used instead of reaching over to adjust it. as for locking the vane, why would you want to, it only needs to be trimmed to the wind angle required. As I said its a few years since I've used a Navik and I've probably forgotten quite a lot of the little foibles of the thing. I might still have the instruction book somewhere that might remind me of a few things.

 

[Theshipscat]

I've found further instructions online that states the pendelum weight can be turned to lock the vane. You need to be able to do this so you can set the system up precisely.

 

[Scillypete]

I've found further instructions online that states the pendelum weight can be turned to lock the vane. You need to be able to do this so you can set the system up precisely.

Thats it, remember that now that you mention it. Its a good bit of kit once its working correctly.

 

[Theshipscat]

Has anyone ever come across the Electonic Navik autohelm system that fits on the windvane and is controlable from inside the boat? This is shown in the back of the French instruction booklet.

 

[andlauer]

Bonjour
I'm looking for a long time for the "remote control" and the "autopilot" associated to the Navik. I miss a remote control on the internet one month ago.
Some Navik, perhaps modified, have a block instead of the adjusting knob. It should be easy to modify in order to have a remote adjustment.
Trick : To improve the Navik sensibility in light airs, French used to add some cloth clips to the vane.
Eric

 

[Theshipscat]

Salute Mon Amis Ca va?

Je crois est tres rare. Si J'en trouve un, je te dire.
Sorry about the French, did I kill it?
A tout a l'heure.
Graeme

 

[malds]

It's a great windvane, just make sure you have fishing wire attached to every part, you will lose something if not. It works is very light winds.

I gave mine away after it drove me insane, mine was 35 years old. I certainly wouldn't buy one new, but they do work very well, just not very robust.

 

[Theshipscat]

It's a great windvane, just make sure you have fishing wire attached to every part, you will lose something if not. It works is very light winds.

I gave mine away after it drove me insane, mine was 35 years old. I certainly wouldn't buy one new, but they do work very well, just not very robust.

I've used sail thread.
How did it drive you insane?
I've also managed to procure a box of spares from the states including a complete rudder.

 

[malds]

I am envious! Great piece of kit, I couldn't find a rudder hence new windvane.

Problems:
1. The connecting rod, the universal rotating joiners at both ends came out - heavy sea.
2. The jointed connector, if it slid off the trim tab connection would jam causing a gybe / tack. - used wire to hold it fast.
3. Lost the rudder and sheared the pin which allows the rudder to snap back when it hits something.

As I said it's good just too flimsy, too much went wrong. 35 years of UV tends to destroy most things.

 

[G12]

I thnk just about everything Plastimo make is flimsy! I've always avoided it like the plague.
Unfortunately I have a flexible water tank that I'd like to replace with a larger one..... can only find plastimo ones which is why I haven't replaced it yet in the hope that I can find one that's well made.

 

[Theshipscat]

It may not be built like an Aries or a monitor but it doesn't weigh 60lbs+ either. It coped no problem with 32knots on Sunday. Once set up the boat sailed true without any intervention from me.

 

[SvenH]

I thnk just about everything Plastimo make is flimsy! I've always avoided it like the plague.
Unfortunately I have a flexible water tank that I'd like to replace with a larger one..... can only find plastimo ones which is why I haven't replaced it yet in the hope that I can find one that's well made.

Vetus make a flex-tank that is made rigid after inflating in situ using uv.

 

[Ceirwan]

http://www.syrebellion.com/media-logboek-2011d_gt.htm

This chap's sailed his 27 foot Albin Vega from Holland, down to patagonia and now back up into the pacific.

His advice to anyone with a Navik is to put that F*****G piece of trash in the trash!
It's broken on numerous occasions apparantly.

Theres some great stuff on that site relating to fitting out boats.